Driver Side Rear Door Stuck Shut

[eme329]

Brand new here, I just bought a 2016 Explorer and loving it. I knew from research that door lock issues are extremely common on gen 5s. I few days owning it and my rear driver side door is stuck shut! My issue seems to be different than the common problems as I cannot unlock it manually either. The lock plunger appears to be stuck in the half locked/ half unlocked position and I cannot get it to move either way by hand. I can't feel it try to move at all when hitting the buttons. I wanted to see if anyone had any advice before I try to get the door panel off from the inside. Thanks!

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum.
Any chance it's frozen? Does the power window work?

Peter

 

[eme329]

Welcome to the Forum.
Any chance it's frozen? Does the power window work?

Peter

Thanks for the reply. I don't think it's frozen, the plunger leads me to think the door is not unlocking at all and therefore not unlatching. As for the mechanism itself, there is a possibility it could be frozen if enough moisture got in there, but it had been working below freezing at one point. Both inside and outside handles have no resistance (they feel like trying to open a locked door). Power window does work.

 

[Odrapnew]

First, I wouldn't say door lock issues are extremely common on 5th gens.

Any chance you washed it recently and it got cold? Just expanding on the possibility of it being frozen.

Try pulling on the handle (inside and/or outside) and pull/push the plunger at the same time.
I had a car (not the Explorer) that the plunger wouldn't work and pulling the handle and the plunger fixed it.

If you can't open it, I'm curious if you can even get the door panel off. Might need to have a locksmith take a look at it.

 

[peterk9]

I agree that door locks are not a very common issue.
As for removing the door panel, I believe it can be done and was done by a member with the same issue. Still 'Searching' for that.

Peter

 

[eme329]

First, I wouldn't say door lock issues are extremely common on 5th gens.

Any chance you washed it recently and it got cold? Just expanding on the possibility of it being frozen.

Try pulling on the handle (inside and/or outside) and pull/push the plunger at the same time.
I had a car (not the Explorer) that the plunger wouldn't work and pulling the handle and the plunger fixed it.

If you can't open it, I'm curious if you can even get the door panel off. Might need to have a locksmith take a look at it.

Thank you, I will try this in a few!

 

[eme329]

I agree that door locks are not a very common issue.
As for removing the door panel, I believe it can be done and was done by a member with the same issue. Still 'Searching' for that.

Peter

By the looks of a video I watched, I'm fairly certain I can access all of the fasteners with the door closed. Just hoping I can weasel it out once the screws are removed. We're getting snowed on or else I'd be playing with it now. I will post an update.

 

[peterk9]

Not sure if this is of any help. 5th generation rear door panel removal

Peter